Statement on Senate’s DREAM Act Failure

From Mark Silverman of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center:

Statement on the Senate’s Failure to Pass the DREAM Act by Mark Silverman, Director of Immigration Policy, Immigrant Legal Resource Center

The vote for the DREAM Act failed   in the Senate to advance the DREAM failed today, December 18th.  A majority of the senators voted for the DREAM Act today.  But the vote of 55-41 in favor of the DREAM Act was five votes short of the 60 required because of the Senates outdated rules which make it possible for a minority of senators to defeat a bill, as happened today.

Thousands of hard-working young immigrants lost today because for the time being they have been denied the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and contribute to our society.

The American people lost today because we will be deprived of the contributions to our economy and society of thousands of educated young people

A number of U.S. Senators also lost today because immigrant, Latino, Asian and many other voters will remember in the future that these Senators voted against the best of our American values by voting against the DREAM Act.

We have hope for the future because we are inspired by the DREAM Act students who led the campaign for this common sense and just legislation.  This campaign to win the DREAM Act has been historic.  It is the first time in American history that the immigrants have led a campaign to bring about a major change in our immigration law.   Tens of thousands of Americans actively supported these young people in this campaign.

The hopes, talents, and dreams of these young immigrants are as strong as ever. They only want the chance to work to make their dreams come true and to contribute to the welfare of all Americans.  We are confident that working together all of us will make this possible in the future.

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